Synopsis:
The Republic is decaying, even under the leadership of
Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, who was elected to save
the galaxy from collapsing under the forces of
discontent. On the tiny but strategic world of Ansion, a
powerful faction is on the verge of joining the growing
secessionist movement. The urban dwellers wish to expand
into the prairies outside their cities, the ancestral
territory of the fierce, independent Ansion nomads. If
their demands are not met, they will secede - an act
that could jump-start a chain reaction of withdrawal and
rebellion by other worlds of the Republic.
At the Chancellor's request, the Jedi Council sends two
Jedi Knights, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luminara Unduli, to
resolve the conflict and negotiate with the elusive
nomads. Undaunted, Obi-Wan and Luminara, along with
their Padawans Anakin Skywalker and Barriss Offee, set
out across the wilderness. Many perils lie waiting to
trap them. The Jedi will have to fulfil near-impossible
tasks, befriend wary strangers, and influence two great
armies to complete their quest, stalked all the while by
an enemy sworn to see the negotiations collapse and the
Jedi's mission fail.

Chronology:
This story occurs approximately 22 years before the
Battle of Yavin.

Review
by Jay Mac, UK, 2002:
"The novel doesn't make too much effort to develop the
characters of Obi-Wan and Anakin, concentrating on the less familiar
female characters instead. Temptations to drop hints about future
events are thankfully kept to a minimum, eg Luminara ponders on the
future of the troubled young Anakin. Interestingly the easy bond
between the two women shows up the awkwardness and strain in the
blokes' relationship.
"Sadly the dialogue is unconvincing and does every alien
species really have to speak badly-mangled English? The best things
of all are the new creations. The landscape and animal life of
Ansion is wonderfully described. Foster finds a fine balance between
the straightforward threat from nature and the machinations of
politicians. Throw in some excellent fight scenes and a display of
lightsaber gymnastics and you start to wonder if it wouldn't make an
excellent plot for a film."
Rating: 3 / 5

Do you agree or disagree with these
reviews? Do you think that they have missed the point? Then why not
review this story yourself? Click
here.